Kent get Canterbury go-ahead

Kent have been given planning permission by the local council for extensive redevelopment of their Canterbury headquarters.

"We are delighted that, after two years of detailed work and extensive consultation, we have been granted approval for our redevelopment plans at the St Lawrence Ground," Paul Millman, Kent's chief executive, explained. "It's no longer possible to survive as a first-class county on the basis of income from cricket alone.

"The proposed developments, which include a hotel, conference facilities, fitness centre and retail outlets are designed to generate sufficient funds to upgrade the ground and secure our future. We are confident that the outcome will be a facility in Canterbury which will not only be of significant benefit to the local community, but will be a ground of which members and everyone connected with the city of Canterbury can be justly proud."

The final hurdle to clear is that the club's membership have to approve the scheme at a special meeting.